AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR FITNESS AND NUTRITION RECOGNIZES OKLAHOMA CITY OBESITY-FIGHTING INITIATIVES

Secretary of Health Terry Cline Delivers Opening Remarks at Health and Fitness Event

Oklahoma City, OK – New findings report that roughly 2 million U.S. children ages 12 to 19 have a pre-diabetic condition linked to obesity and inactivity that puts them at risk for full-blown diabetes and cardiovascular problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health. This issue is especially important in Oklahoma, where 61 percent of adults are overweight or obese, according to the CDC.

Fortunately, there are numerous programs in Oklahoma City tackling these issues and helping youths learn how to eat right and get moving, these superior programs in the Oklahoma City area were highlighted today by the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN), a nonprofit coalition that moves toward viable solutions to obesity, at a local TRIUMPH event for community-based efforts that teach people how to be healthy.

“It's never too late to start improving your physical health,” panelist Heather Duvall, program coordinator for Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, told participants. “There are programs throughout our city and state that, regardless of age or ability, will help you take the first step in your journey to a healthier lifestyle.”

“ACFN is shining a light on the creative work taking place in cities across the nation to stem the tide on obesity,” said ACFN Chair Susan C. Finn, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., F.A.D.A., who moderated the panel co-hosted by ACFN and the National Association for Health and Fitness. “The programs we highlighted today are indicative of the comprehensive, behavior-focused efforts taking place in communities across the country that are achieving real results in helping people improve their health by staying active and eating smart.”

In addition to Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, five programs were recognized at the TRIUMPH event:

REACH: Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health
Together at the Table
Fit 4 Life and Fit 2 Fight
Kids Memorial Marathon
Turning Point Council's Walk This Weigh

TRIUMPH panel participants included:

Nancy M. Betts, Ph.D., R.D., Head of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University
Ryan Brown, M.D., Pediatrician, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Diabetes Wellness Center; Clinical Assistant Professor, OU Children's Physicians Diabetes Center
Heather Duvall, Program Coordinator Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition
Allen Knehans, Ph.D., David Ross Boyd Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Oklahoma

The panel was the seventh event in an ACFN series called TRIUMPH – Trends, Resources and Inspiration for Understanding and Maintaining Physical Health.

CONTACT
Christine Tucci
202-715-1517
christine@acfn.org

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR FITNESS AND NUTRITION:
The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) is a nonprofit organization that brings together food and beverage companies, associations and health and nutrition advocates to work toward viable long-term solutions to the nation's obesity epidemic. ACFN represents a diverse group of organizations and is guided by an advisory board of experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change. ACFN works with partners to raise awareness of programs and policies that seek to improve health and wellness in America. For more information, please visit www.acfn.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HEALTH AND FITNESS:
The National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) is a nonprofit organization that exists to improve the quality of life for individuals in the United States through the promotion of physical fitness, sports and healthy lifestyles and by the fostering and supporting of governors’ and state councils on physical fitness and sports in every state and U.S. territory. For more information, please visit www.physicalfitness.org.